OFFICER’S REPORTS

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:

The Mazza Enthusiasts is a support group for the Mazza Museum: International Art From Picture Books. More than 350 individuals became Mazza Enthusiasts in 2008. As members, you support a variety of museum programs. Annually, 25 percent of the membership fee collected is used to purchase books for the Haven’s Library. This library houses picture books, reference books, a small rare book collection and videos of guest artists. A traveling exhibit, SPEAK!, was purchased by the Mazza Enthusiasts in 1997 and is available upon request for a nominal fee. The Mazza Enthusiasts’ organization continues to provide quality children’s books to two of our local shelters, Open Arms Domestic Shelter and Hope House. Financial assistance is provided each year for the Summer Art Camp program. Another type of assistance is available to The University of Findlay undergraduates majoring in book illustration, which enables them to attend the Mazza Fall Conference. The gift shop is managed by the Enthusiasts, and its revenue contributes significantly toward museum programs.

The Mazza Enthusiasts not only provide an opportunity to support the Mazza Museum and its program, but allow for many areas to volunteer. Mazza Enthusiasts provide more than 5,000 docent-led tours annually. Docents are trained by Mazza Enthusiasts and museum personnel. When artists visit Mazza, Enthusiasts frequently provide transportation to and from the airport and their hotel during the artists’ stay in Findlay. Volunteers can serve as hosts/hostesses in the Galleria. These volunteers may sign up to work for two or four hour shifts, one or more days a week or month. The gift shop is stocked with items related to children’s books, including games, stuffed toys, puppets, book bags and baby gifts. “Funday Sunday” events, the first Sunday of each month, allow for volunteer opportunities in the areas of art activities, greeters and refreshment hosts/hostesses.

The Mazza Enthusiasts, in coordination with the Mazza staff, have developed and led some unique museum programs. Our newest museum program led by a Mazza Enthusiast is “Tales for Tots.” Tots accompanied by an adult can attend story time on the second Tuesday of the month January through May from 11-11:30. In the developing pot are programs such as birthday parties at Mazza and workshops for the family. Let’s not forget, a Mazza Enthusiast writes grants to help fund programming. The Mazza Museum is a busy place! Thank you for your continuous dedication and support of the museum through your participation as a Mazza Enthusiast.

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY:

Nancy Fay, Corresponding Secretary, reported that a total of 22 welcome bags were prepared and delivered to visiting artists throughout the year of 2009. Welcome bags were presented to 14 artists during the July Summer Institute and 6 were delivered to our guest artists attending our November Weekend Institute. Also, receiving welcome bags were Chris Soentpiet on May 17 and Iza Trapani on Nov. 1. Sympathy and congratulations cards were sent throughout the year. Marsha Williams, Assistant Corresponding Secretary, helped prepare and deliver the Welcome Bags to the Artists.

PARLIAMENTARIAN:

Parliamentarian Peggy Havens announced that the constitution and the by-laws are being reviewed and updated by a committee of past ME chairpeople.

TREASURER:

Treasurer Marna Weaver presented and the Mazza Enthusiast Board approved the 2010 budget at the October meeting. Copies of the budget are available in the office or from any ME board member.

HISTORIAN:

Supplies were ordered from Archival Supply/University Products. Yearbook for 2008 has been completed. Expenses were: Archival Supply: $265.80, Photo prints: $34.08, Paper: $9.47, Sheet Protectors: $12.69, CD Sheet Protectors: $29.99, Total spent: $336.43. Karen Alcott, ME Historian

COMMITTEE REPORTS

DOCENTS:

Sandy Reinhardt, Ginger O’Malley, Marsha Williams and Carol Roessing served on the Docent Committee this past year. Dr. Mallett shared stories about the art and artists throughout the five Galleries along with Education Coordinator Terry Olthouse’s lessons on media. Training included viewing artist videos and tour tips. All 65 active docents were needed to give tours to the numerous student and adult visitors. Artist Dominic Catalano gave an informative talk to Docents on May 18 enrichment. In April 13 new enthusiastic docents completed training and are giving tours. They are: Marcia Armes, Judy Bell, Holly Blaine, Paula Deardorff, Denny Jolliff, Francene Kriegel, Linda Mummert, Pat Needles, Sarah Palmer, Marilyn Sear, Tom Slagel, Suzanne Thompson and Wanda Warren. New docent training begins this year in October.

FUTURE PLANNING:

Visiting artists for 2008 were: Rufus Seder with a Special Valentine on Feb. 8, Richard Cowdrey on Funday Sunday March 1, Chris Soentpiet with Spring Fling on May 17, and Iza Trapani on Funday Sunday Nov. 1. Marilyn Hackenberg, Future Planning Chairman.

GIFT GALLERY:

The Mazza Gift Gallery is contemplating changing the name of the store to the Mazza Book and Gift Gallery. In order to emphasize that a large selection of quality children's picture books, as well as gifts, are for sale in the museum shop. A new line of merchandise that has been introduced this year is a wooden replica of the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion, created by Cat's Meow.

LOCAL EXHIBITION:

Our committee made six rotations of Mazza art in the doctors’ waiting rooms this year. We also distributed 70 children’s books. We are happy to say we are finally getting compliments and questions from waiting-room patients, and we are happy to tell them all about us! Our glass display case, to the left as you enter the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, receives many interested lookers—both children and adults stop to check out the new Mazza book and art displays. Our goal is to show the public what Mazza is all about. Barbara Wisner, Chairman; Committee members: Barbara Lindamood and Nancy Fay

MAZZA ARTIST LIAISON:

Mariann Younger, with the assistance of Cam Taylor, is continuing the practice of sending birthday, Valentine’s and Thanksgiving cards to the artists. In addition, Mariann has begun to increase her contacts by telephone and e-mail.

MAZZA MEDALLION:

The Mazza Medallion of Excellence is a biennial award given by the Mazza Museum of The University of Findlay to recognize an outstanding artist of children’s books. The committee will be awarding the next Mazza Medallion in the year 2010. Since its inception in 1996, the Mazza Medallion has been presented to seven children’s book artists. The Mazza Medallion Committee is continually seeking new ways to generate publicity about the Mazza Medallion Award. One of our goals is to eventually have the award acknowledged on the book jacket cover or flap of the Mazza Medallion recipient’s work. The committee will be accepting nominations from a select group of experts in the field of children's artwork, thus eliminating the ballot process formerly conducted by the Mazza Enthusiasts. The committee wishes to thank all who have previously participated in the selection process. Janet Reichert, Mazza Medallion Chairman

MEMBERSHIP:

Deb Bouts, Membership Chairman, reports:
·         ME 2009 total donations was $11,225.00
·         There are 354 ME members in 2009
·         There are 350 ME gifts in 2009
·         Names are being deleted and added to the 2010 ME brochure mailing list. The brochures are being prepared to be mailed out in January.

PUBLICITY:

Flyers were passed to the local hotels and restaurants in the area. Ben Sapp and Linda Mummert met with the Hancock Findlay Community Foundation and wrote a Funday Sunday grant to service the museum for the next five years. The job description for this position will be changed when the new Constitution and By-laws are approved.

SPEAK!:

SPEAK! is a traveling exhibit of 33 original illustrations by internationally recognized children’s book artists. The framed works of art are delightful illustrations of the artists’ favorite dogs. Since its debut in October1997, SPEAK! continues to be exhibited and celebrated by children and adults as it travels to public libraries, universities, and schools throughout the nation. For additional SPEAK! information and scheduling, please contact Jeff Salisbury at 419-434-5461, jsalisbury@findlay.edu or visit the Mazza Museum Web site at www.mazzamuseum.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

It is the Special Events committee’s job to provide a festive reception for the visiting artist events which require tickets. These events are open to the public. Jill Scholes, Chairman, and committee member Louise Wineland plan the décor and food, do the set-up and tear down for each event. This past year, from October through May, we have hosted Jane Dyer, Loren Long, Rufus Seder and Chis Soenpiet.

VISITING ARTISTS/AUTHORS:

As Visiting Artist Chairperson, Cheryl McNish, coordinates drivers for our visitors as they arrive and depart to airports in Toledo, Detroit, Columbus or Cleveland. They may also be driven to local schools and events. Approximately 50 volunteers enjoy this one-on-one time with our special Mazza guests.

BOOK SEARCH/LIBRARY:

The Mazza Enthusiasts budgeted $2,188, which is 25 percent of the membership receipts, for use in purchasing books for the Mazza Museum Media Center. Priority is given to purchasing three copies of each book from which we have art. When possible, new books are purchased and otherwise good used books are ordered, frequently including a $3.99 shipping and handling cost.

A “books needed” list is maintained and updated to circulate to individuals upon request. A total of 52 books were purchased this year for a total cost of $706.42, and purchases will continue to be made through November in an attempt to exhaust the funds allocated for this purpose. Barbara Meyers, Book Search Chairperson Mary Miller, Library Manager